Greater Accra RCC inaugurates climate change committee

A committee that will coordinate the implementation of climate change policies in the Greater Accra Region has been inaugurated by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council.

Composed of experts from diverse fields, the committee will serve as a platform for engagements by all stakeholders, including ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), for viable climate solutions.

The committee has representatives from various MDAs, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), UNICEF, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Department of Parks and Gardens, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), National Disaster Management Organisations (NADMO), and technocrats from the GARCC.

A Coordinating Director at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), Kwame Newman, inaugurated the committee on behalf of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, at a short ceremony held at the GARCC yesterday.

Context

Climate change has become a global crisis that wreaks havoc across all sectors. The negative impact of the crisis manifests in an increase in temperatures, sea erosion, flood disasters, erratic rainfall patterns, dry spells and increased threats of food insecurity.

It is in response to the devastating impact of climate change that a comprehensive National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and strategy was developed by the government.  The NCCP provides a roadmap for fostering climate resilience and achieving sustainable development.

Mr Newman said the establishment of the regional climate committee demonstrated the commitment of the RCC to translate the national aspirations into regional and local actions.

He said it was envisaged that the committee would play a pivotal role in key areas such as climate-smart planning, public awareness and education, data collection and monitoring, resource mobilisation and capacity-building.

"Let us bear in mind that our efforts today will shape the future we leave for generations to come," he stressed.

The acting Director of the Climate Change Unit of EPA, Dr Emmanuel Tachie-Obeng, took the committee members through basic issues of climate change, ranging from global warming, evidence of climate change, sectoral impacts of climate change, climate change vulnerability and adaptation, adaptation strategies and actions, adaptation planning and monitoring of climate action.

He stressed that the multiple effects of climate change required coordinated efforts by stakeholders at the national, regional and community levels to ensure that policies met their target.

UNICEF assures    

A health specialist at UNICEF, Dr Emmanuel Kyeremateng-Amoah, said the establishment of the climate committee was a good step towards tackling climate vulnerabilities and protecting livelihoods.

He said UNICEF was particularly concerned about the impact of climate change on vulnerable groups such as children and women.

“UNICEF will support all regions and districts to coordinate activities for climate change to help build resilience against the crisis,” he said.